Aussie country music icon Chad Morgan dies aged 91

Tributes are flowing for Chad Morgan, the larrikin singer known as the king of country comedy, after his death aged 91.

Singer Chad Morgan has died age 91.

Australian country music icon Chad Morgan has died at the age of 91.

The larrikin singer, known as the “Sheik of Scrubby Creek”, died in hospital at Gin Gin near Bundaberg in Queensland on January 1.

The star’s son, Chad junior, confirmed his father’s death to the ABC.

Known for his upturned hat adorned with a safety pin and his distinctive smile, Morgan recorded and performed music for more than 70 years.

Chad Morgan was a country music icon.

The old-school star charmed audiences over the years with his songs The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, I’m My Own Grandpa, The Shotgun Wedding, Double Decker Blowflies and There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet.

During his long career, he was honoured with major awards, culminating in a lifetime achievement award at the 2010 Country Music Association of Australia Awards.

The star won numerous awards over the years.

He was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979, the Roll of Renown in 1987 and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2004.

Born in the South Burnett town of Wondai in 1933, Morgan was discovered through Australia’s Amateur Hour radio program and started recording with Regal Zonophone.

Originally published as Aussie country music icon Chad Morgan dies aged 91